On 25 December 2025, a socio-political event entitled «International Year of Peace and Trust: Steadfast steps of Neutral Turkmenistan» was held at the «Mekan» Palace in Ashgabat.
The event, organized by the Halk Maslahaty (People’s Council) of Turkmenistan, was attended by the members of the government, chiefs and representatives of the diplomatic service of Turkmenistan, as well as diplomatic missions of foreign countries and international organizations accredited in Turkmenistan, and citizens of Turkmenistan.
Before the event, songs and musical compositions by cultural figures and artists were performed.
Then the participants of the ceremony viewed an exhibition dedicated to the cultural heritage of the Turkmen people and the country's achievements during the years of independence.
Welcoming the participants of the celebration, Chief of the Administration Office of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan emphasized the importance of the event entitled as the «International Year of Peace and Trust: Steadfast Steps of Neutral Turkmenistan».
It was particularly emphasized that all the work done under the leadership of the esteemed President Serdar Berdimuhamedov during the International Year of Peace and Trust contributed to further strengthening of Turkmenistan’s international reputation.
In accordance with the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan, an Organizational State Committee was established under the leadership of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov aimed at hosting the events dedicated to 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality and i the framework of the International Year of Peace and Trust at high level.
The significance of the international events that took place in Turkmenistan this year was noted, while the publication of new book of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov “The Neutrality of Turkmenistan: The Bright Path of Peace and Trust” became a special gift to people.
The National Anthem of Turkmenistan was performed.
Then the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov gave a speech.
He emphasized the importance of this socio-political event and noted that 2025 was a significant milestone in the history of present Turkmenistan, strengthening the principles of its statehood, as well as political, economic and social development.
Due to large-scale work of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Hero Arkadag and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the year 2025 has been marked by great successes and achievements in the national and foreign policy of Turkmenistan.
Jointly with the international community, Turkmenistan widely celebrated the historic date - the 30th anniversary of the permanent neutrality of the country.
In his speech, Rashid Meredov emphasized that this holiday coincided with two important occasions - the International Year of Peace and Trust, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly upon the initiative of Turkmenistan, and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. These three significant dates are interconnected, are of great significance and have a deep practical meaning.
“Today, we can confidently say that incredible work has been done to promote neutrality as the basis for peacemaking and political dialogue in resolving complex issues. As a result, we see that the world has become more aware of the importance of our neutrality and its role as a key factor in security, peace and sustainable development”, said Rashid Meredov.
It was also noted that this year, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a number of resolutions initiated by Turkmenistan with the participation of numerous of UN Member States as co-sponsors. These include the resolution “Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan” as well as resolutions on cooperation in such important fields as energy and transport.
In this regard, the Minister of Foreign Affairs highlighted the General Assembly resolutions adopted on 15 December 2025, “The Key Role of Reliable and Stable Energy Connectivity in Ensuring Sustainable Development” and “The United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026-2035)”.
At the same time, it was noted that Turkmenistan has proven itself as an active partner in regard to other international organizations and structures, such as the Organisation of Economic Co-operation, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Organization of Turkic States and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
In this context, particular attention was paid to Turkmenistan’s interaction with neighbouring countries, in particular within the framework of the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia. It was noted that at the seventh meeting in this format, held in November of current year, the participating countries unanimously supported the proposal of the Turkmen side to invite brotherly Azerbaijan to these meetings as a full member.
Turkmenistan also participated effectively in the Central Asia + dialogues, which included meetings with the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the United States of America, Japan, the European Union and the Italian Republic.
It is important to note that a delegation from Turkmenistan led by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited New York in September this year and took part in the session of the General Assembly.
In 2025, Turkmenistan hosted a number of major international events as part of its open door policy. These included the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries and the International Conference on “The Role of Women in Modern Society: Developing International Cooperation to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals”.
The main political event of the current year was the International Forum held in honour of the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. It was attended by representatives of tens of countries and international organizations, including heads of state, government and parliament. This International Forum was a large-scale and significant event on the global political and diplomatic agenda, and the Ashgabat Declaration adopted upon its outcomes is a strategically important document.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized the essence of the initiative “Peace through Development” put forward by Hero Arkadag on the UN platform back 10 years ago, which set unbreakable link between the goals of successful socio-economic development, humanism and peace, as well as mutually beneficial cooperation.
Developing the path of peacemaking, in December 2021, the National Leader of the Turkmen people proposed to develop a new present time concept of interstate relations naming it as the “Dialogue - a Guarantee of Peace”.
Continuing this constructive course, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov officially presented the initiative to the United Nations: to declare 2025 as the “International Year of Peace and Trust” which was fully supported by the General Assembly.
In his speech, Rashid Meredov focused on the Turkmen model of neutrality. He emphasized that Turkmen neutrality is gaining a new, very clear global significance, meaning and support, becoming an important, influential and identifiable factor in the development of international politics.
Turkmenistan has been able to demonstrate to the world community that neutrality is not just the official status of an individual state. Neutrality is a special approach towards oneself and other peoples as a whole, as a family of humanity. Despite the difficulties that arise, peace, harmony and respect must reign in such a family.
Turkmenistan has proven in practice its readiness to direct its neutrality towards achieving these important goals and serving humanity, to apply its status in the interests of development and the well-being of all states and peoples.
The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, Hero of Turkmenistan Aksoltan Atayeva, Representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund in Turkmenistan Jalpa Ratna, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Turkmenistan Elizabeth Rood, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Turkmenistan Bernd Heinze, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan Ravshanbek Alimov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkmenistan Ali Mojtaba Rouzbahani, resident of Vekilbazar district of Mary region Begmuhammet Hojaberdiyev, lecturer of the International University of Humanities and Development Chemen Vekilova, as well as the student of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Orazmyrat Sahetmyradov gave speeches at the event.
All speakers highlighted the great success of all events held during the International Year of Peace and Trust under the wise leadership of the President of Turkmenistan, as well as the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Hero Arkadag.
The call for peace, dialogue and mutual respect, which is an integral part of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy based on the principles of permanent neutrality was crowned with great success.
Then the ceremony of awarding the heads of diplomatic missions of foreign states and international organizations accredited in Turkmenistan, as well as citizens of Turkmenistan with the medal of Turkmenistan “Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna” (Dedicated to the 30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Neutrality) and a memorable silver coin was held.
Addressing the audience, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov noted that deeply meaningful speeches about the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan, the practical application of the principles of neutrality and preventive diplomacy, including the importance of a culture of peace, trust and dialogue were heard at this festive event entitled «International Year of Peace and Trust: Steadfast Steps of Neutral Turkmenistan».
It was underlined that the anniversary year 2025, declared as the “International Year of Peace and Trust” by a special Resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, is marked by events of historical significance. This year, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality is being widely celebrated at the international level - a significant date for both Turkmenistan and the whole world community.
On behalf of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Hero Arkadag and President of Turkmenistan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs thanked everyone for the active participation in international events held this year and expressed confidence that the coming year 2026 will be a year of progress and new successes for our Motherland.
Addressing the heads of diplomatic missions of foreign states and international organizations accredited in Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov expressed gratitude on behalf of Hero Arkadag for their contribution to strengthening relations between Turkmenistan and the states as well as institutions they represent.
This event was a vivid demonstration of the triumph of Turkmenistan’s initiatives to ensure peace and develop effective cooperation.
The results of the International Year of Peace and Trust confirmed that the constructive proposals of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Hero Arkadag are widely supported by the international community.
The high achievements of this year have opened a new page in the history of national diplomacy, significantly strengthening the standing of Turkmenistan, which is confidently following the path of progress and prosperity as a center of peacemaking.
